Rangers vs Hurricanes: Rangers Sent Packing With Game 3 Loss to Carolina
The New York Rangers weren’t able to overcome a 2-0 series deficit against the Carolina Hurricanes and were swept out of the Stanley Cup Qualifying Round, 4-1 Tuesday night, and New York will now look ahead to the offeseason. Here is a quick recap from tonight’s action.
1st Period
No scoring.
2nd Period
Chris Kreider (1) - Jacob Trouba (1) & Ryan Strome (2) - 0:12 2nd Period
The Rangers desperately needed the first goal in this game, something that they failed to do in the previous two games. Chris Kreider, who hadn’t registered a point yet in the series, emerged with a crucial goal to give his team the 1-0 lead in the opening seconds of the middle frame. Jacob Trouba started the play with a beautiful outlet pass through the neutral zone, which allowed Kreider to break into the zone with speed. Kreider was able to beat both defensemen, came in all alone on James Reimer, and buried a strong move to the backhand to give New York the lead.
Teuvo Teravainen (1) - Andrei Svechnikov (2) & Hayden Fleury (1) - 3:18 2nd Period
Despite grabbing the early momentum, the Rangers squandered their lead just three minutes later as Teuvo Teravainen picked up his first of the playoffs. Following an extended shift in the defensive zone, the Rangers failed clearing attempts led to a loose puck in the high slot. Teuvo Teravainen was able to swoop in uncontested, made a move to his backhand, and deposited a slick backhand under the crossbar.
3rd Period
Warren Foegele (1) - Brady Skjei (1) & Martin Necas (1) - 5:07 3rd Period
As was the case during the previous two games, once Carolina had their foot on the gas pedal, they never seemed to let up. That eventually led to Carolina’s go-ahead goal courtesy of Warren Foegele at the 5:07 mark of the third period. Foegele was posted up in the high slot, and deflected home Brady Skjei’s point shot to the Hurricanes their first lead of the evening.
Sebastian Aho (2) - Unassisted - 10:26 3rd Period
Nearly five minutes later, Sebastian Aho scored off of an incredible individual effort and doubled up Carolina’s lead. Aho stripped the puck from Jacob Trouba in the neutral zone, and then danced around Tony DeAngelo to give him a wide open chance in front of the net. With plenty of space to work with, Aho finished off his move to the backhand and slipped the puck past Igor Shesterkin.
Sebastian Aho (3) - Teuvo Teravainen (2) - 19:29 2rd Period
With under a minute remaining in the game, and killing a penalty, Carolina was able to ice the game with an empty-netter from Sebastian Aho once again. This goal was the final dagger for the Rangers, and sent them back to New York empty handed.
This was probably one of the better games the Rangers played throughout the series, but they just couldn’t find a way to shutdown Carolina’s top players. They had 3-4 golden opportunities to bury goals, and they just weren’t able to get the puck past James Reimer. It was certainly a disappointing end to a season that showed so much promise and growth from some important pieces. The main silver lining to this series loss is the 12.5% chance the Rangers have of landing the first overall pick via the second lottery.
That lottery drawing will take place later on in August, so be sure to stay tuned for any further news as we transition into offseason mode.
